Just a Blink » books

We Do School at Home

Jessica — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 03:10:56 +0000

This school year Ryan, my first grader, has started homeschooling. We do school at home, at the zoo, during van rides, waiting in line, before bed, in the school room, at the kitchen counter, you get the idea. Basically, our lives have turned into living lessons with some worksheet thrown in for good measure.

Establishing a new home and a new way to “do” school in the same ~~year~~ summer has been one of the biggest roller-coasters of my life. Pots and pans, Ps and Qs will all get sorted out one way or another; it is the constant personal character development for me and the kids that is so hard to do!

Here are a few snap-shots from our time homeschooling.

Great-Grandma Mary "GG" listens to Ryan's read aloud assignment.

My babies exploring the patio garden.

Post-library visit impact on the living room.

Unit Study bulletin board.

Molly doing "school" on the school room table.

Cheers for school supplies!

Jess

Photo Essay :: Winter In and Out

Jessica — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:57:38 +0000

In Order:

Sledding in newly fallen snow

Painting for the sake of getting messy

Watching a dormant summer patio

Reading, watching, admiring…all the fantastic blogs out there (blog in my reader? The Inspired Room’s post Quick Room Makeover)

Freezing my fingers off taking photos of the fresh layer of snow

Studying and writing a presentation about loving kids for my MOPS group

Attitude of Gratitude

Jessica — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 06:36:49 +0000

Merry Happenings

Thanksgiving kicked off an attitude of gratitude in my heart. I had no grand plan, daily read or assignment.

I am just keeping my eyes open and more importantly my heart open to contentment, peace and thankfulness.

Here are some of the little things that have helped make my season merry.

A handmade set knit by a friend just for my little guy that Ry absolutely adores.
A trip to Ikea that offered a close parking spot on a very bitter cold and dreary day followed by a kind woman in the Ikea cafeteria that cleared my tray for me because she’s “been there” and Molly discovering the free cookies while Ry played in Smal-land (Ikea’s play place). All of which led to the purchase of new bins and an organizing frenzy that suited my needs quite nicely.
Lunch and story time with a friend. Ry, Lucy, Becki and Molly.
Sharing the wonder of Advent season with Ryan. Every step of Christmas (Jesus’ birth) and Christmastime (snowmen, candy canes, etc.) seems to bring him overflowing joy for which I am very grateful.

By Definition

Jessica — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:21:09 +0000

Sometimes I feel over run with good books.

Study guides, self-helpers, pretty books and spiritual books.

All good. But there really is only one Good Book.

The Holy Bible.

Molly with her milk crate "bookcase".

The Bible, Book of 1Peter, Chapter 1, Verses 24-25

All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever…